By Nimfa L. Estrellado From left to right, Timee Joy Gonzales (Philippines), Cesar Dasilao (Philippines), Luis Oscar Eleazar (Philippines), ...
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| From left to right, Timee Joy Gonzales (Philippines), Cesar Dasilao (Philippines), Luis Oscar Eleazar (Philippines), and Jonathan Paul Jr. Leusen (Philippines) participate in the study visit. (Tagkawayan PIO) |
TAGKAWAYAN, Quezon – Tagkawayan Mayor Carlo Eleazar and 16 other Philippine mayors are recently in Israel for an intensive "Study Visit on Promoting Sustainability & Food Security in Urban Centers." This program, which officially began this week at the MATC Training Center in Shefayim, aims to equip Filipino local leaders with advanced strategies for sustainable agriculture and resource management.
Their goal is to directly address the urgent need for better food security across the Philippines, where nearly half the population faces moderate or severe food insecurity, according to recent reports. The mayors are currently immersing themselves in Israel's globally recognized expertise in overcoming tough environmental conditions to achieve strong food security, a testament to its innovation in desert agriculture.
The comprehensive curriculum at MATC, MASHAV's International Agricultural Training Center, covers modern farming techniques like precision agriculture, hydroponics, and advanced irrigation systems such as drip irrigation, which significantly reduces water waste crucial for efficient resource use. They're also exploring cutting-edge approaches to natural resource management, including sophisticated water recycling and desalinization technologies vital for arid climates, and the implementation of sustainable urban practices.
In addition through professional lectures by Israeli experts and extensive field visits, the delegation is getting firsthand experience with operational Israeli farms and agri-tech innovations, observing how theory translates into practical, successful applications. This is to transfer this vital knowledge directly to Philippine communities, enabling them to build more resilient and efficient food supply chains, lessen the risks of food shortages and price instability, and contribute to national food self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on volatile global markets.
This important exchange is a result of close cooperation with MASHAV (Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation), Israel's primary agency for official overseas development assistance. Established in 1958, MASHAV has a long and successful history of helping developing nations by sharing the specialized know-how and technologies that fueled Israel's own rapid growth, particularly in the critical sectors of agriculture and water management, transforming arid lands into fertile ground.
The initiative has strong support from Philippine Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Aileen Mendiola-Rau, who presented her credentials to the President of Israel in April 2025 and has been actively involved in strengthening bilateral ties. Her involvement highlights the deepening diplomatic and collaborative relationship between the two countries in agricultural development and technology transfer.
For Mayor Eleazar, participating in this program directly supports his administration's established priority of continuously strengthening Tagkawayan's food security for the foreseeable future. With the Philippines facing ongoing challenges in agricultural productivity, climate change impacts, and ensuring food access for its population, the lessons from Israel's highly efficient and innovative agricultural sector are expected to significantly contribute to Tagkawayan's long-term food stability and economic well-being, fostering local resilience.
Mayor Eleazar's dedication to improving the local agricultural sector, already shown through initiatives like supporting the local bamboo industry for economic diversification and sustainable resource use, will be further boosted by the advanced knowledge gained. This study visit represents a proactive step towards implementing sustainable practices that can withstand future challenges like extreme weather events and ensure a consistent, affordable food supply for Tagkawayan's residents, promoting both community welfare and economic growth.
Adding a meaningful touch to the visit, the Philippine delegation also celebrated Philippine Independence Day on June 12 at the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv. Ambassador Aileen Mendiola-Rau led the event, symbolizing the lasting ties between the two nations on a day of national importance for the Philippines, highlighting shared values and mutual respect.
This visit, while focused on critical development goals, also strengthens the connections between people and diplomatic solidarity between the Philippines and Israel. This is especially significant given recent regional tensions, which even saw some delegates briefly seeking shelter in bunkers, underscoring the dynamic and sometimes challenging environment of their study tour.
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